Chicago Pedestrian Plan: City strives to be more pedestrian-friendly city

June 19, 2011|Jon Hilkevitch | Getting Around

The hit-and-run crash that killed Martha Gonzalez in the 1700 block of South Halsted Street prompted minor changes at the tricky T-shaped intersection of Halsted and 18th streets. But the modifications haven’t solved the problem, residents and the alderman say. (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune)

Work begins this week on the first-ever comprehensive pedestrian plan for Chicago, coming fresh off a tragic reminder that city efforts so far have yielded unexceptional results in safeguarding people walking across streets.

A brown street sign marking Honorary Martha Gonzalez Place went up in East Pilsen last week on what would have been the Chicago woman's 38th birthday, almost two years after she was sprawled dead in the street, the victim of a hit-and-run driver who is still on the loose.

The crash that killed Gonzalez, a married mother of two young children, in the 1700 block of South Halsted Street prompted minor changes at the tricky T-shaped intersection of Halsted and 18th streets. But the modifications haven't solved the problem, residents and the alderman say, indicating that stronger action, including more certain consequences for drivers who endanger pedestrians, is necessary.

"We need additional surveillance technology in the area,'' said Carlos Chavarria, who owns Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery, 1733 S. Halsted. "People are very emotional, and they hope the sign for Martha will remind drivers to be cautious and respectful. But my wife and 8-year-old son were almost hit right here two weeks ago by a lady who ran a red light.''

More than 3,000 vehicle crashes involving pedestrians — causing 34 pedestrian deaths — occurred in 2009 in Chicago, the most recent year data are available. The numbers are down from previous years, but city officials say the improvement is not enough. The target is to reduce crash-related pedestrian injuries by 50 percent. Almost all vehicle crashes involving pedestrians result in injuries.

"We have to set a goal of zero pedestrian fatalities and then find meaningful steps to get there,'' said deputy transportation commissioner Luann Hamilton.

A big part of the problem is that 40 percent of pedestrian fatalities in Chicago are due to hit-and-runs, compared to 20 percent nationally, Hamilton said. The city is analyzing crash data from 2005 through 2009 to learn why hit-and-runs are so much more common here and to determine what can be done.

The work to create a Chicago Pedestrian Plan begins Monday with the first of eight public meetings this summer to get input on improving safety for pedestrians across the city.

Recommendations and an action plan outlining the top priorities will follow in a draft report scheduled for release by year's end, said Kiersten Grove, pedestrian safety coordinator at the Chicago Department of Transportation.

Possibilities include pedestrian countdown timers at crosswalks that are becoming more prevalent citywide; curb bump-outs that improve safety by shortening the distance of crosswalks; and median islands that provide a safe place for pedestrians who find themselves in the middle of a crossing when traffic signals change.

The walk signal in the pedestrian crosswalk on Halsted and 18th where Gonzalez was killed now activates four seconds before the traffic signal changes from red to green on eastbound 18th. The re-sequencing is intended to let pedestrians begin crossing the street before drivers turning left from 18th onto Halsted can try to beat them across.

The "leading pedestrian interval signal timings" also have been installed at more than 40 Chicago intersections, from Wrigleyville to the South Side, according to CDOT.

But East Pilsen resident Marcos Cabildo said giving pedestrians a head start crossing Halsted at 18th has made no difference. Many drivers also ignore signs posted after Gonzalez's death warning that they must yield to pedestrians, he said.

"Cars still turn into you when you are trying to cross,'' said Cabildo, 31. "You try to be extra careful and look around 360 degrees, but many people drive too fast, and they come at you out of nowhere.''

"It's a very difficult intersection because of the 90-degree turns,'' he said.

Solis requested another study after the accident. Options being considered include red-light enforcement cameras, widening sidewalks to reduce the distance of the crosswalk and reconfiguration of the roadway, officials said.

"I've got to figure out a way to get the resources to make various locations in my ward safer,'' Solis said, adding that another dangerous intersection for pedestrians is at Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road.

City officials, meanwhile, said they are studying whether additional laws are needed to force better compliance with traffic laws affecting pedestrians. They said it is too early to determine the effectiveness of a new state law the General Assembly passed last year requiring drivers to stop — rather than yield — to pedestrians in crosswalks.